There are productive things I could be doing instead of _____. Many things fit in that blank: watching sports, Facebook, sleeping. But there are also things that might not be a productive use of my time, and they cost money, too. I’m talking about going out to bars or restaurants, taking trips on the weekends, or other things of similar nature. I definitely wouldn’t characterize these as time wasters – I like doing all of these things and spending time socializing. But they can also get expensive and detract not only from my bank account but also from my future …
Category Archives: Financial goals
Time and Money Goals, Aligned
Famous Money Movie Moments and Lessons (with Video!)
I’ll admit: I’ve had a bit of a financial reading overload lately, so I’ve pared back my writing and reading a bit. Quitting day is coming up soon, too, and I’ve been focused on the SEO with a lot of my time, too.
How do I get past the burnout? Watch money movie clips instead! Sure, most of them are fiction, but there’s still some important lessons to be found as always.
I had a little fun with a few movie clips that I think of when I think of money advice.
Making sure to get the money, not just …
Can We Stop Gushing Over Our Self-Affirming Financial Bullshit?
Did the title make you uncomfortable or defensive? Good.
It’s probably not new news to you that everything likes to read things that simply back up what they already think and do. Finances are no different. We like to confirm we have all the answers, and we like to be on the right track. Sure, there are little tweaks here and there to our lives but not too much to really shake things up.
But here’s the problem: reading more about what you already know and believe in won’t do you any good. In fact, it’s a waste of …
Five Reasons to Give Up Goal Setting
Goal setting is deeply ingrained in our lives, or at least our idea of what it takes to succeed.
It shows up at job interviews, relationships when searching for a mate, and in our finances (as evidenced by the abundance of posts on goals published in early 2012).
If you don’t have goals, you’re likely to be labeled as lazy, unambitious, and lacking direction in life.
But is that fair? And is it true?
I was recently heard of the “no goals” concept on the Man vs. Debt Podcast, and now it’s really got me thinking. Baker interviewed Leo …
Goals for Quitting My Job in 2012
As some others have said as well, I’m not a big believer of resolutions, either (I refuse to even call them that). But I know I’ve struggled without clear goals. So, with my 2011 accomplishments in mind, here are my goals for 2012.
I hate to bore you with another “goals” post, but note that I’m going to analyze this a little differently than looking at years, quarters, or months. Instead, I’m going set goals for when I leave my job in May.
Income
1. Make $2,500 of side income a month by the end of May. To …
I’m Newly Debt Free! (And Ways You Can Be, Too)
As of today, I’m proud/pleased/excited to say that I’m 100% free of debt! No more student loans, credit card balances, auto loans, or anything like that! I paid more than $8,000 off in loans this year, and it feels great to be free for the first time in 8 years.
I’m free!!!! (just like in Shawshank Redemption)
My Debt-Free Strategy
1. Keep debt low from the start and don’t take on new debt. The easiest way to get rid of debt is to never get in it in the first place. Some of the ways I avoided …
2011 Goals: What Worked, and What Didn’t in the Year of New Ideas
Whew, another year gone! It’s time for a review of the year and what went right and what didn’t.
My 2011 Theme: New Ideas
I learned so much in 2011, and I started several new projects and ventures. Most of what I’ve done online business and blog-wise this year were things that I had never heard of or considered before 2011. Now that I’ve learned all I have, I’m in a much better position to move forward with action in 2012.
What worked in 2011
- Earning some money online. While I may not have earned as much as …
Paying Yourself Without a Job
I’ve come to terms with going without a paycheck once I leave my job, and I’ll have savings to live off of so I can transition to other work. This is the $10k I’m working to save, plus other savings that I have in the bank from before. But I’m not simply going to transfer this money straight into my checking account. I need to be strategic about how I’m going to use it and make it last as long as possible (or as long as I need it).
After reading up and boiling down the best of advice from …
The End of Debt: Owing Nothing Before Taking a Leap
Since I started my job and have been earning a solid income, I’ve committed first to eliminating all my debt before I start focusing on my “escape the job” fund. I’m happy to admit that I only have about $2,800 left in student loans to pay (I just threw another $400 at the principal), and I’ve committed to getting rid of that by the end of 2011.
I realize that I’m “lucky” that I don’t have more debt, but the reason I don’t is largely due to my own smart decision making in life so far. I don’t want to …
Can You Succeed Without Being Motivated By Money?
This is a thought I had lately, mostly because I’m not always motivated or excited by money myself. I definitely don’t think that money itself motivates me to do my best work, either. I’ve thought about this on many occasions, but what me me think about it most was when I received the largest paycheck of my life last week – and felt almost no emotion or excitement. Perhaps it was because I knew I’d have to split it up to pay for various different things and fund different accounts, or that this one paycheck is just a …
